It has been several months since one of Norway’s iconic Black Metal bands RAGNAROK announced the departure of vocalist Hans Fyrste, and since then there has been much speculation as to who will replace him, with several high profile names being thrown into the mix by fans. But until now the band has kept quiet about their choice, whilst at the same time rehearsing the new lineup behind closed doors. And now that the announcement can be made, there is no doubt at all that it will surprise most fans – because the new vocalist will be drummer and RAGNAROK founder Jontho himself, and his place behind the drum kit on stage will be taken by DAUDEN drummer Malignant.

It might seem strange that Jontho, who is one of the most well known and respected drummers on the Black Metal scene, and who has played in various bands such as TSJUDER , ENDEZZMA and SHADOW DANCERS during his long and formidable career, should decide on a change of direction, especially with a band that he founded 20 years ago, but, as he explains, he is not entirely abandoning his drums:

“When Hans Fyrste left I sat down together with bass player DezeptiCunt and guitarist Bolverk, and we knew that finding the right person who would fit RAGNAROK’s ethos both in terms of performance and live appearances was not going to be easy. On top of which we had to begin work on our eighth full-length album, and we didn’t want to have to rush into anything we might later come to regret, so we took the decision that I would continue to handle the drums in the studio, as well as taking on the vocals both in the studio and on stage, and that Malignant would drum for us live on stage. Although I’m known as a drummer, I’m not a stranger to performing vocals, having done backing vocals on some of RAGNAROK’s albums. It would be fair to say that am tired of front men who do not give their all and quit the band, so, since I am the most stable member and the de facto front man from the beginning, even though I played the drums, I will now front the band as I should have years ago. Of course, doing vocals live in front of an audience is definitely a challenge, but one that I was interested in trying after all these years behind the drum kit. Will I continue as RAGNAROK’s vocalist after the release of the next album? That remains to be seen, but for the time being it’s something I’m looking forward to”.

Jontho’s first appearance on stage as vocalist with RAGNAROK will take place on the 4th of October at the Stadthalle in Schweinfurt, Germany, when the band is set to appear at Norwegian Hellcamp, the new festival which, as its name suggests, is devoted entirely to Norwegian Black and Extreme Metal. Along with RAGNAROK in the lineup are TAAKE, SLAGMAUR, VULTURE INDUSTRIES, ENDEZZMA, SARKOM, DEN SAAKALDTE and AURA NOIR. More information about Norwegian Hellcamp can be found at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Norwegian-Hellcamp/383214265130545

Aside from working on their next album, RAGNAROK are also currently in the middle of planning some South American dates later this year. More information about RAGNAROK can be found on the band’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/ragnarokofficial

The official video for the title track from RAGNAROK’s seventh full-length album “Collectors of the King” can be seen here:

Norwegian Black Metallers RAGNAROK have announced an amicable parting of the ways with their frontman Hans Fyrste. Fyrste, who has been with the band since 2005 and performed vocals on two of their seven full-length albums – 2010′s “Collectors of the King” and the latest release “Malediction” – is cutting back on his musical activities due to other personal and job-related commitments, which had already affected his ability to tour with RAGNAROK at the end of last year. His last live appearance with the band was at this year’s Blastfest festival in February.

In a statement the frontman, Hans Fyrste, explained his decision:

“The decision to leave RAGNAROK, has been an extremely hard one to make. Jontho and Brigge brought me in to the horde in 2005, and this still stands as my biggest achievement as a musician. Personal circumstances have made it so that I will not be able to dedicate myself to RAGNAROK, as much as it requires. It is with a heavy heart that we have come to an agreement, and I am pulling out of the band.

All words fall short compared to how grateful I am for have taken part in this journey.Over the years we have experienced so many great achievements, and I would never have been without any of them. Being able to tour around the world, from Siberia to Rio de Janeiro, with supporting, passionate and faithful friends and fans in every city, has been a humbling experience. Every step of the way has also brought with it impressions, educating me to be a stronger person. Also learning so many new things, evolving to be the vocalist and human being I am today.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody who has made this journey possible. Without all my great friends and fans out there, nothing of this could have ever happened. Thank you! And finally, of course, thank you Jontho, DezeptiCunt and Bolverk. Thank you for all the great times on and off the stage. Thank you for everything we have gone through together. Thank you for the brotherhood and support! I leave RAGNAROK as a humble man, and wish my brothers all the best in the future.”

Founder and drummer Jontho had this to say about Fyrste’s departure:“After 20 years you come to expect these things as an inevitable part of being in a band. Sooner or later there comes a time when all musicians must take a hard look at their lives and take decisions based on family and work commitments. Hans Fyrste felt that he could not give the amount of dedication that RAGNAROK asks of its members, and that it would be fairer all round to call it a day, and that is very much to his credit. He has been a real asset to the band. We have watched him grow over the years to become a great frontman and we wish him all the best for the future.”

Norwegian Black Metallers RAGNAROK have announced an amicable parting of the ways with their frontman Hans Fyrste. Fyrste, who has been with the band since 2005 and performed vocals on two of their seven full length albums – 2010’s “Collectors of the King” and the latest release “Malediction” – is cutting back on his musical activities due to other personal and job-related commitments, which had already affected his ability to tour with RAGNAROK at the end of last year. His last live appearance with the band was at this year’s Blastfest festival in February.

In a statement the frontman explained his decision: “The decision to leave RAGNAROK has been an extremely hard one to make. Jontho and Brigge brought me in to the horde in 2005, and this still stands as my biggest achievement as a musician. Personal circumstances have made it so that I will not be able to dedicate myself to RAGNAROK, as much as it requires. It is with a heavy heart that we have come to an agreement, and I am pulling out of the band.

“All words fall short compared to how grateful I am for have taken part in this journey. Over the years we have experienced so many great achievements, and I would never have been without any of them. Being able to tour around the world, from Siberia to Rio de Janeiro, with supporting, passionate and faithful friends and fans in every city, has been a humbling experience. Every step of the way has also brought with it impressions, educating me to be a stronger person. Also learning so many new things, evolving to be the vocalist and human being I am today.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody who has made this journey possible. Without all my great friends and fans out there, nothing of this could have ever happened. Thank you! And finally, of course, thank you Jontho, DezeptiCunt and Bolverk. Thank you for all the great times on and off the stage. Thank you for everything we have gone through together. Thank you for the brotherhood and support! I leave RAGNAROK as a humble man, and wish my brothers all the best in the future.Hans Fyrste…. “

Founder and drummer Jontho had this to say about Fyrste’s departure “After 20 years you come to expect these things as an inevitable part of being in a band. Sooner or later there comes a time when all musicians must take a hard look at their lives and take decisions based on family and work commitments. Hans Fyrste felt that he could not give the amount of dedication that RAGNAROK asks of its members, and that it would be fairer all round to call it a day, and that is very much to his credit. He has been a real asset to the band. We have watched him grow over the years to become a great frontman and we wish him all the best for the future”.

Formed in 1994, and celebrating their 20th Anniversary this year, RAGNAROK are unfazed by the departure of their frontman and have begun work on what will be their eighth full-length album. The band played their first North American show in November last year, and are scheduled to headline at the Sick Midsummer Festival in Austria in July and appear at the Norwegian Hellcamp festival in Germany in October. They have not yet disclosed who will replace Hans Fyrste in the lineup, which, aside from Jontho on drums, includes DezeptiCunt on Bass and Bolverk on guitars. “Let’s just say that we are looking at various options, some of which might come as a bit of a surprise to RAGNAROK fans, but we’re not prepared to say more at this time”, commented Jontho.

More information about RAGNAROK can be found on the band’s website at http://www.ragnarokhorde.com/The official video for the title track from “Collectors of the King” can be seen below:

A brand new extreme metal festival is set to take place in Bergen, Norway from February 20th-22nd.

With a deep and rich tradition of metal, both as host of the infamous Hole In The Sky festival and the great newcomer Beyond The Gates Festival, it is also the hometown of many great and famous bands from the dearly beloved dark side of metal. The festival will be held in the darkest time of the year. Cold winds and snow will lay the perfect scene for the atmosphere we want to create.

Surrounded by the seven famous mountains, the main venue, USF Verftet, is based right at the dock by the city fjord, and second venue, Garage, is in the heart of town. Bergen is the second biggest city in Norway and counts 250,000 habitants. With a rich cultural tradition alongside the beautiful nature, Blastfest will also have a focus towards the town of Bergen and its history. The promoters want you to see what the town really is. In cooperation with the Viking community and cultural institutions of Bergen they want to bring you a unique experience combining your passion for metal music with nature, history and of course, the Vikings. This may be an indoor festival, but that does not mean they cannot use the whole city as our festival ground.

According to Patricia Thomas Management, Norwegian Black Metallers RAGNAROK will hit the road in Europe next month when they embark on a European tour supporting US Death Metal legends INCANTATION. Both bands are veterans of the metal scene and will be touring with their latest albums – RAGNAROK with their seventh-full length “Malediction”, released on Agonia Records, and INCANTATION with their ninth full-length “Vanquish in Vengeance” which came out on Listenable Records. Billed as the Crusade of Vengeance Tour, routing for the sixteen-date tour is as follows:

With the band’s Twentieth Anniversary coming up next year, RAGNAROK was formed in 1994 by drummer Jontho and then-bassist Jerv. The band’s current lineup includes Jontho on drums, Hans Fyrst on vocals, DezeptiCunt on Bass and Bolverk on guitars. For this tour however, vocal duties will be taken on by NATTSOL frontman Venomenon, filling in for Hans Fyrst who has unavoidable commitments outside of music during this time.

While gearing up for their North American “This Tour Is Personal” run Washington DC progressive metal outfit PERIPHERY have just launched a brand new live video for the song “Ragnarok”. The Live clip was filmed during the Summer Slaughter tour and is captivating some of the finest moments from PERIPHERY’s legendary live shows. Watch “Ragnarok” in co-operation with Metal Hammer UK here: www.metalhammer.co.uk

“Ragnarok” was taken from PERIPHERY’s current album “Periphery II” which Century Media Records released outside of North America, Australia, New Zealand and Japan in July of 2012.

Canadian metal legends ANVIL are the latest act confirmed for the Wacken Open Air 2013, which will take place August 1st – 3rd in Wacken, Germany. It will be Anvil’s third time performing on the Wacken stage.